For many parents, traveling with children sounds too daunting of a task to take on. However, with a little bit of planning, traveling will be more than doable. It will be enjoyable! Check out these 8 tips for traveling with children and babies with ease.
Be Prepared
During your flight, there is very little space for your children to get their wiggles out. One of the best ways to prevent any issues is to be prepared with plenty of activities. Have a backpack on hand filled with snacks, iPads, a portable DVD player, and quiet toys. Don’t pack items with small parts that you could lose.
It’s also wise to pack wipes, drinks, a change of clothes, and something to help ease ear pain during takeoff and landing (drinks, gum, suckers, etc.)
Use a Backpack
You’re going to need your hands to corral children and help them throughout the airport. So, choose a backpack over a bag on wheels. This way, your hands will be free to help your children the entire time.
Dress Comfortably
Most people choose to dress up when they board a plane. However, this isn’t a good idea for your children. You want your children to be as comfortable as possible, and clothes with lots of tags or uncomfortable material aren’t going to make the cut. If you’re traveling at night, don’t be afraid to dress your children in their favorite pajamas. It will help them fall asleep on the plane.
Do Your Research
Learn about the regulations for bringing lap children with you on the plane, especially when traveling internationally. It’s important to know what you can bring on the plane, too.
Then, start researching your destination. Learn about the hotel amenities and places that your children will enjoy. If you have a few stops where your children can let loose, you’ll have an easier time getting them to behave when needed.
Consider the Timing
When is the best time to fly with your children? Many parents agree that naptime or bedtime is the optimal time, so their children will sleep. This will prevent ear pain from the takeoff and landing, and you won’t have to worry about a fussy child during the flight. But, it’s important to choose what’s best for you and your family.
Pack Light
One of the biggest mistakes that parents make when traveling with children is that they overpack. Sure, you want to be prepared for whatever may happen. But, there are ways to get what you want without having to overpack:
- Purchase things like diapers, wipes, and formula when you reach your destination.
- Buy things online and have them shipped to your hotel.
- Find out whether your hotel provides things like playpens for you to use.
- Look into baby equipment rentals to use while you’re away.
Remember the Essentials
Of course, there are a few things that you want to have on hand. For one thing, you should plan on bringing a first aid kit with any medications that your child may need.
Also, if your child is in the middle of toilet training, pull-ups will prevent any frustrating experiences for you and your child.
It’s also helpful to bring comforts from home to make your children feel more comfortable. So, don’t forget those favorite lovies or blankets that your children need to fall asleep at night.
Be Flexible
Children are great at stopping to smell the roses. Unfortunately, this isn’t a positive thing when you have a travel itinerary that you want to stick to during your trip. To make the experience better for everyone, plan some wiggle room in your itinerary. Slow down and enjoy the ride.
As you travel with your children, be prepared and have reasonable expectations. Things may not go according to your plan, but that’s okay. Work to make family memories that you will think back to for many years to come.
What are your best travel tips? Share them in the comments below.